1. Tourette Syndrome New Help and Hope

2. Tourette Syndrome What is Tourette Syndrome What are the signs and symptoms of TS How is TS diagnosed Is TS inherited How do doctors treat TS How do you deal with TS personally Strategies for teachers 3. Dont Swear By It! People who have heard of Tourette Syndrome usually think of the person who is swearing or using inappropriate expressions. Sometimes the term Tourettes is used as a joke for people who swear frequently but actually thats one of the less common symptoms. More common is how many people have TS 4. What is TS TS is short for Tourette Syndrome, named after a French neurologist, Gilles de la Tourette who discovered the condition in 1885. TS is a neurological disorder, or Tic disorder, where a person has both a motor and a vocal tic. Tics are uncontrollable, sudden, repetitive movements or sounds that involve a certain number of muscle groups or body parts. 5. What are the Signs and Symptoms Mrs. Brown, Mary keep blinking her eyes, shaking her head and making funny noises. She says she cant help it. Why doesnt she stop? Mary has TS. Tics are classified as either simple or complex. Simple- are sudden, repetitive and brief. Complex - are distinct, coordinated patterns of movement. Simple tics might include eye blinking, throat-clearing, barking, grunting, head jerking, sticking out tongue, stuttering, arm or leg movements, etc. Complex tics might include jumping, smelling or touching objects, using swear words or gestures, repeating others words, touching the nose, touching other people or self, self harming behavior, anger, etc. 6. More Symptoms In addition, if you have TS, your tics may vary in type, frequency, severity, worsen if your ill, stressed, anxious, tired or excited. They evolve into different tics over time Worsen during pre-teen and teen years and improve into adulthood. Before the onset of a motor or vocal tics, youll experience an urge called a premonitory urge. This urge is uncomfortable such as an itch or sneeze. Expression of the tic brings relief. Sometimes with great effort, some people with TS can hold back tics until they find a place to express them. 7. How is TS diagnosed? TS is often diagnosed when there is both a motor and verbal tic present for at least a year. Doctors call this Chronic-Tic Disorder. TS is sometimes misdiagnosed as other disorders or problems, such as eye blinking related to vision problems, or yelling to misbehavior problems. TS is an inherited genetic disorder. Studies suggest that ADHD and/or OCD are genetically related to TS. 8. How is TS Treated? Doctors use a wide variety of medications to treat TS depending on the severity and associated disorders. Neuroleptics (drugs used to treat psychotic disorders) are most effective. Other medications that may help, but not shown to be as consistently useful, include alpha-adrenerigic agonist such as clonidine and guanfacine, medications often used for hypertension; side effects are less harmful so often used as front line agents before proceeding to neuroleptics. Behavior treatments such as awareness training and competing response training can reduce tics. 9. Dealing with Tourettes Many people dont understand TS. If people stare, it can feel embarrassing, people might think the person is strange or mental and people with TS might have to explain their condition a lot, which can be frustrating. Some helpful things to do to lessen tics include: Get involved- tics are usually milder and less frequent when engrossed in an activity such as Sports, hobbies, and exercise. Creativity- activities such as writing, painting, or music help Give a helping hand-use your special sensitivity to help others and volunteer. Find support and take control-be around others who understand and take an active role in treatment. 10. Everybody Needs To Get On Board It is critical that everyone including cafeteria workers, teachers, bus drivers, substitutes, crossing guards, coaches, guidance counselors, janitors, along with parents learn about and understand TS. Training is critical for everyone in the school setting and can be accomplished through an in-service workshops conducted by a volunteer from the local chapter of TSA or the use of the TSA curriculum guide for educators. 11. TS in the Classroom Guidelines for Educators Look at the whole child not the disorder. Most children with TS are very intelligent and want to be accepted and understood. Dont react with anger! Noises and movement can be annoying but be understanding. Be an adult role model. Show and teach the kids in the classroom acceptance of the disorder Use caution in interpreting standardized test Use parents as a resource and an ally 12. Making Accommodations Preferential seating Open and less restrictive classroom- allowing movement about the class Testing in a separate location with time limits waived or extended The use of a computer/word processor Frequent breaks out of the classroom to allow for release of tics 13. Accommodations Assignments broken into more manageable pieces. The use of daily assignment sheet verified by the teacher Provide a refuge for times when symptoms intensify and need to be released somewhere private Avoid abrupt transitions Keep stress at a minimum Help with social isolation dont allow situations that emphasize the problem, like picking partners 14. Conclusion Tourette Syndrome has gain a lot of attention in recent years. Growing number of people are being diagnose with TS People with TS can have a rich and long productive life TS awareness and training can make a world of difference in the life of a child 15. References Harry, S. Abram, MD. (1995-2013). Tourette Syndrome. Retrieved from http://kidshealth.org/teen/diseases_conditions/br ain_nervous/tourette.html Suzanne, Bronheim, PH.D. (2003). An Educators Guide to Tourette Syndrome. Retrieved from http://Tsa-usa.org/for-teens-and-younger-online- store Ellen, Meyers, M.Ed. (2005). The School Administrator: Ten Things to Know about Tourette Syndrome. Retrieved from http://Tsa-usa.org/for- teens-and-younger-online-store 16. References Mayo Clinic, (2012, August 10). Tourette Syndrome. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tourette- syndrome/DS00541/DSECTION=symptoms Eleanor Pearl, (2007). Matthew And The Tics. Retrieved from http://tsa- usa.org/aPeople/Youth/matthew_tics.html Judy, Wertheim, MS, Spec. Ed., (2003). Tourette Syndrome in The Classroom. Retrieved from http://tsa-usa.org/for-teens- and-younger-online-store